Earle’s Basement: Show IV Concert Review

By Harriet Bernard

Local Music Journalist

Earle’s Basement hosted a spectacular show on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023. Music started at 7:00 p.m. with Our Last Daze as the opener. The night had a slow start but by 7:30 PM a decent crowd had formed and was hyped. Earle’s Basement is a D.I.Y. venue co-founded by Ashley Farnie and Avery Viers that has had a great run so far, especially for it being one of the few D.I.Y. venues San Marcos has to offer. Earle’s Basement is special because its purpose is truly to open a comfortable space for bands and listeners to congregate.

The openers, Our Last Daze, kicked it off with a great backyard set. The pop punk band from San Marcos – who first started making music in 2012 – amped up the crowd with spunk and enthusiasm that made everyone want to engage with their performance. Lead singer Mitchell Meitler knew how to direct the audience and set up the band for a successful production. With their latest album, Sink or Swim, we got to hear some jumping tracks like “Sincerely Yours Pt. 2” and “Better Than Nothing”.

My personal favorite was the track titled “Community Lettuce” because of its awesome guitar riffs, thanks to guitarists Robert Lee and Jon Arredondo. Just about then the entire function was head banging to the beats, which is why I think everyone felt comfortable joining in on the fun Before Our Last Daze had a chance to finish, there were noise complaints. Fortunately, the band was able to finish their set before the rest of the event was moved inside. You can find Our Last Daze on Instagram, Spotify, Apple Music, Soundcloud and more.

The next band, Crash Test Girls, had to move their set into the Earle’s Basement living room. The living room is a perfect environment for shows, with posters and records all over the walls and colorful lighting that set the night’s ardent tone.

Crash Test Girls is a new local band from San Marcos who just had their first show at Earle’s Basement in January. I was honored to see them front row on Friday while they absolutely rocked the event. The living room was packed with people who gave all their support and undivided attention to welcome the band. This being only the third performance in the band’s journey was most impressive. Their performance included a full set of originals and a couple covers with each one being endured by the audience. Members Allison, Sammy, Ayden and Cal switched between instruments and vocals, making their physical performance especially unique and personal.

Nothing could have prepared my friends and I for the excitement we felt when they started playing “Heaven or Las Vegas” by the Cocteau Twins. It was one of the best covers I have heard in a long time, and, even though they gave it justice as is, I could still feel the band’s personal style through the song. Find them on Instagram, @crashtestgirls.

Last but not least, local band Window Shop from San Marcos ended the event on a high note. Window Shop is a rock and electric style band made up of five friends Nora, Stephen, Dallas, Aiden, and Kevin. Started in 2020 with four singles out, they have been performing at many events in the area.

Window Shop does a really great job at using American style rock and adding eccentric funk to it. Lead singer Nora Tomlinson added a synth and electric feel to the band’s tracks that was very refreshing. They did an awesome job at transitioning from the first two performances to the end of the night, leaving everyone satisfied. You can find Window Shop on Instagram and Spotify.

This was my first time attending an Earle’s event and I couldn’t be more eager to go to the next one. I had the opportunity to meet so many people and artists whether it was those performing or taking pictures. Everyone’s spirits were high and cheerful, and I am grateful to those who opened their homes to host these events. Check out Earle’s Basement on Instagram (@earlesbasement) for upcoming events.

Featured Image by Harriet Bernard.